Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews recently opened up about his emotional reaction upon receiving a phone call from his teammate and captain, John Tavares. The two players have developed a strong bond both on and off the ice, and Matthews was clearly moved by the gesture.

In an interview with reporters, Matthews described how he was caught off guard when Tavares called him to check in and offer words of encouragement. “It meant a lot to me,” Matthews said. “To have someone like John reach out and show that he cares, it really touched me.”

The phone call came at a time when Matthews was dealing with some personal challenges, and he admitted that he was feeling overwhelmed. Tavares’ gesture of reaching out to offer support and reassurance was exactly what he needed to hear.

The bond between Matthews and Tavares goes beyond just being teammates. They have developed a strong friendship over the years, and Matthews considers Tavares to be a mentor and role model. The fact that Tavares took the time to reach out and offer his support meant a great deal to Matthews.

This emotional reaction from Matthews highlights the importance of having strong relationships and support systems in place, especially in high-pressure environments like professional sports. It also serves as a reminder of the power of simple gestures of kindness and compassion.

As Matthews continues to navigate the ups and downs of his career, he can take comfort in knowing that he has teammates like Tavares who have his back. And for fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs, it’s heartwarming to see the camaraderie and support that exists within the team.